As Thanksgiving approaches, ASI Media’s editors are taking a moment to reflect on what makes the promo industry such a rewarding place to work. From the creativity that fuels fresh campaigns to the relationships that keep the industry thriving, there’s plenty to appreciate. Here’s what our team is most thankful for in promo this year.

Every Day Is a Privilege

As ever, I am thankful for the talent, dedication and professionalism of ASI’s award-winning Editorial team. Being stewards of ethical, responsible journalism is a gift – something that should never be taken for granted – and this team consistently strives to deliver exceptional editorial content to the promo industry that impacts their businesses and that of the global marketplace.

Whether it’s leaning into new ways to deliver the news, delving into stories that matter most to our readers and listening to their pain points, this team never takes its foot off the gas. That’s especially true in a news cycle that’s far from 9-5 (as evidenced by the PromoGram Breaking News acquisition story that had to be updated after a 3 a.m. call with the CEO of the acquiring Counselor Top 40 distributor company). Even after 29 years on ASI’s Editorial team, I come to work proud every day for the privilege of getting to work with the best journalists, designers, researchers and educators in the business. And having a CEO for the past 23 years who also happens to be a trained journalist (looking at you, Tim Andrews) has been the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie. – Michele Bell, Senior Vice President of Editorial, Education & Global Alliances

A Note on Totes

There are many things in promo for which I’m grateful, in particular my awesome colleagues and the interesting people that make up this industry. On the product side, I’m thankful for my sturdy branded tote bags that I take to the grocery store. They hold so much more than those flimsy plastic bags, and I just got an adorable holiday-themed one from Kohl’s that can also be used as a gift bag, plus they’re sustainable – a real win-win. – Joan Chaykin, Managing Editor

Building a Strong Partnership

I’m thankful for the strategic partnership between ASI and the PRINTING United Alliance. It’s been a pleasure working with the top-notch editorial team at the Alliance on various projects throughout 2025 and getting to see all the ways the print, promo and apparel industries connect and collaborate.

We really are stronger together, and I’m excited to see what 2026 holds for both our organizations and these converging industries. – Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor, Special Projects & Sustainability

Three Cheers for Camaraderie

One of the aspects of promo that has really struck me over the years – and the reason why so many of us are in it for the long haul – is the general friendliness and openness among its members, and the real investment so many have made in the success of the entire industry. People both inside ASI, as well as the supplier, distributor, decorator and printer members we serve, are sincerely supportive of everyone’s achievements, and that makes this a hardworking, but really fun industry to be a part of. So many are willing to give their time and expertise to advise and help others, which in turn creates a solid pool of sources we can draw Editorial and Education content from. That helps us do our jobs at ASI, but more importantly, it helps the entire industry succeed. – Sara Lavenduski, Executive Director, Client Education & Content

Giving Thanks for Giving Back

Time and time again, the promo industry has shown it cares about its partners, customers and even competitors. That ethos has been demonstrated on several occasions, particularly during the bad times, like in the aftermath of natural disasters. Lawrence Hanley of Desk Plants (asi/49451) and Rusty Pepper of Taylor Corp., for example, were called to action after flash floods ravaged the Texas Hill Country in July. Together, they founded Team On-Demand, an industry disaster-relief venture to provide aid and essentials in the wake of the tragedy.

And in the fall, when Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc on Deborah Lanigan’s home country of Jamaica, the vice president of sales and business development at Proforma Mega Marketing Solutions (asi/491957) wasted no time. Along with her team – as well as discounts and donations from Counselor Top 40 suppliers SanMar (asi/84863), PCNA (asi/66887), Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125) and Counselor Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/300094) – Lanigan delivered care packages to residents across the Island.

It’s a reminder that people in promo look out for one another, even in the worst of times. And if that’s not a reason to be thankful, I’m not sure what is. – Tara Lerman, Digital News Editor

Print & Promo for the Planet

I’m thankful for the continued push toward a more sustainable future across print, promo, apparel and beyond. Every time I’ve gone to an industry event, I’m inspired by the people who make it their mission to do the right thing – even if it’s the more expensive thing. – Brendan Menapace, Content Director, Print & Promo Marketing

Celebrating the Power of Promo

In a year filled with family celebrations, including my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, I’m especially thankful for a firsthand reminder of the power of promo. From logoed sweatshirts and tumblers to beach bags and stickers, these branded pieces played an essential role in making each event feel both fun and unforgettable. It underscored just how deeply our industry is woven into people’s lives, and why both your work – and ours – matters. – C.J. Mittica, Editor-in-Chief, ASI Media

Unboxing Sweet Surprises

One thing I love about the promo industry is that, ultimately, it’s built on giving – showing appreciation and saying thank you, just as we ASI Media editors are doing in this commentary. With that in mind, I’m grateful for the promo companies who’ve fueled my relentless sweet tooth by sending me chocolate this year. I greatly appreciate you sharing your promo joy and getting me – and my taste buds – into the holiday spirit! – Hannah Rosenberger, Data Analytics Editor